The issue may have become moot Friday night when Parcells told the Bucs that he would not take over as head coach.

The NFL warning came in a letter from Jeff Pash, the league's counsel, to Tampa Bay general manager Rich McKay after reports that Parcells was assembling a staff that includes people still under contract to other NFL teams.

"We expressed our concern about possible violations of the tampering rules," league spokesman Greg Aiello said Friday.

The Bucs confirmed receiving the letter, but director of communications Reggie Roberts said the club would have no other comment.

"When you look at the timeline, there was a little bit of concern," Jets general manager Terry Bradway said. "I would be surprised if Bill expected us to act any differently than we did."

If tampering can be proved, the Bucs would be subject to a fine and the team could lose draft picks. The league said it would investigate the allegations.

The letter, first reported by the New York Times and New York Daily News, came after reports that Parcells was trying to assemble a staff. The Bucs fired coach Tony Dungy on Monday.

The Parcells situation also had an impact on the Hall of Fame ballot.

Parcells, a finalist last season, is again among the 15 finalists this year. A coach isn't eligible, however, while he is still coaching.

The final vote takes place the day before the Super Bowl.

There had been reports all season that Parcells would replace Dungy in Tampa and they accelerated as the Bucs faced a first-round playoff game in Philadelphia last weekend. Tampa Bay lost, and Dungy was fired.

Parcells, meanwhile, was reportedly is interested in Bill Muir, the New York Jets offensive line coach, and Maurice Carthon, Detroit's running back coach. Muir told the Times that he had not been contacted by Parcells.

Mike Tannenbaum, the Jets' assistant vice president and a Parcells protege, was in Tampa this week to interview for the general manager's job. Tannenbaum decided Friday to remain with the Jets.